I have the honor to be, &c.
ROBERT MORRIS.
PROCEEDINGS IN CONGRESS.
April 21st. On a report of the committee, to whom was referred Mr Morris's letter of the 13th of March,
Resolved, That the Superintendent of Finance be, and he is hereby authorised, to remove from office or employment, for incapacity, negligence, dishonesty or other misbehavior, such persons, not immediately appointed by the United States in Congress assembled, as are or may be officially intrusted with, and immediately employed in the expenditure of the public supplies, stores, and other property; in stating, examining and passing the public accounts, or in the receipt of the continental revenues of the United States, and such of the said persons as are or may be in his judgment unnecessary, reporting to such authority, board, minister, or office, to whom it may belong to supply the vacancy, the respective names of the persons so removed.
That he be authorised to suspend from office or employment, for similar causes, persons officially employed and intrusted as aforesaid, immediately appointed by the United States in Congress assembled, reporting forthwith their names and the reason of suspension.
Provided, that in all cases where any of the persons aforesaid, are or may be amenable to the law martial, the Superintendent be, and he is hereby authorised and directed, if he shall deem it most expedient for the public service, to put them in arrest by order in writing, and to apply to the officer whose duty it may be, to order a court martial; and such officer is hereby directed to order proceedings on the arrest accordingly.
That in every case of suspension, all pay and emoluments cease from the date thereof, unless the persons suspended be, upon trial, acquitted and restored; and the Superintendent shall have power to supply the place when it may be necessary, by a temporary appointment, to continue until the person suspended be restored or dismissed.
That the aforesaid powers shall not be construed to interfere with the rank, commission, or military duty of any officer in the line of the army, or those who may be duly intrusted with money for secret services by Congress, or the Commander in Chief of the army, or commanding officer of a separate department.
That the powers aforesaid be exercised during the pleasure of Congress, but not to extend beyond the duration of the war.